The Ilocos Times Daily

30/12/2024

Banna sets national bench-mark in HPV immunization

By Leilanie Adriano

BANNA, ILOCOS NORTE—Girls aged 15 to 17 in Banna, Ilocos Norte, are being gifted with lifetime protection against human papillomavirus (HPV) this Christmas season as the local government unit is taking bolder steps in its catch-up vaccination program.

Setting a national benchmark in HPV immunization, a total of 353 adolescent females from the town’s five secondary schools received their first dose of the HPV vaccine on Monday at the municipal session hall.

“We are opting to vaccinate the children beyond 14 years old (15-17 years old) who were missed to be vaccinated during (the) pandemic,” said Banna mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla after leading the administration of the vaccines to some of the girls with their parent’s consent.

In May this year, Banna became the first municipality nationwide to achieve a 90 percent vaccination rate toward eliminating cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Fili-pino women aged 15 to 44.

From a fourth-class municipality, Banna is now a first-class municipality, which prioritizes healthcare for residents.
The local government unit (LGU) of Banna has allocated nearly PHP1.68 million from its general fund this year for the catch-up immunization program.

“This is the greatest and priceless gift that we could ever give you,” said Abadilla, a doc-tor, as she stressed the importance of the vaccination to prevent most cases of cervical cancer and other HPV-related dis-eases.

She said that with the support of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Banna LGU, all the town’s teen age girls are covered by the catch-up immunization program, including those who are non-residents but are studying in Banna’s secondary schools.

Abadilla said it takes a “po-litical will” to ensure the imple-mentation of the national immu-nization program. Through a community-based approach to empower residents, she vowed to advocate and further strengthen the government’s cervical cancer awareness program and promote prevention tech-niques, through education, screening, and mass vaccination.

From 2020 to 2023, cervical cancer patients at the state-run Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City increased to 178, with13 deaths, according to Dr. Adolavni Magpily, obstetrics and gynecology specialist in Ilocos Norte who is leading education awareness campaign to prevent cervical cancer.

“There are still those who do not like to receive the vaccine but through a community effort to educate the public about the effectiveness of the vaccines, we hope to find ways and help augment in closing the gap of over 17,000 doses and be able to hit the 90% target immunization rate for the province,” she said.

Of the 31,119 projected population of females aged 9-14 years old who are eligible for catch-up vaccination in Ilocos Norte, government data shows that only Banna has achieved over 90 percent immunization rate among its 881 DOH projected population while other local government units are lagging behind the target.

Magpily said most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented with HPV vaccination if two doses of vaccine are given to girls or women before exposure to the virus.

The vaccine also prevents HPV types that cause most ge***al warts, she said.

On the case of Banna’s catch-up immunization for 15 to 17 years old, they need to complete three doses to strengthen their protection against the virus, she added.

“We are grateful that our municipal government care for our children. Aside from education, their health and protection from diseases are the ones that truly matter to us,” said Alona Ibus, as she accompanied her only daughter, Arianne Mae, to receive her vaccine on Monday.

She said Arianne Mae is lucky to be given a second chance to receive the vaccine because she was sick at the time of administration of the vaccine.

“I encouraged everyone to be vaccinated for our future and for us to be worry-free,” said Deniza Mae Calingangan, a third-year business administration student at the Mariano Marcos State University and resident of Banna town.

30/12/2024

30/12/2024

LC Council approves the creation of disaster mgt office proposed by Fariñas

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

LAOAG CITY - The Laoag City Council in a special session on Tuesday, December 17, passed on third and final reading an ordinance creating the Office of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for the city government, which was proposed by Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas, along with the council’s committees on labor & civil service, and natural calamities and public safety due to the increasing responsibilities and demands for disaster preparedness.

The new office includes the creation of the position of city government department head I (local disaster risk reduction and management officer) salary grade 25, and other mandatory disaster risk reduction and management positions and causing the transfer of the staff under the personnel schedule of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management office from the Office of the City Mayor to the office of the local disaster risk reduction and management officer.

The 2024 World Risk Report, released in September, ranked the Philippines as the most at-risk country to extreme natural events and negative climate change for the third straight year.

The report’s World Risk Index showed the Philippines at No. 1 with the highest risk (46.91 points), followed by Indonesia in second place (41.13), India in third (40.96), Colombia in fourth (37.81) and Mexico in fifth (35.93).

Relative to this, Fariñas said that this measure would be of great help for a more efficient, effective, and better service de-livery systems, as well as to adequately respond to the demands, challenges, and greater responsibilities transferred to the local government which is a need to establish a permanent, institutionalized, cohesive, and comprehensive framework for disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation, and response to be implemented by a full-time and focused Office considering the city’s vulnerability to disasters and other emergencies.

The local government units (LGU) under the “General Welfare Clause” states that the Sangguniang Panlungsod may adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the city from the harmful effects of natural and man-made disasters and calami-ties and to provide immediate and unhampered relief services and assistance for victims during and in the aftermath of said disasters and calamities and in their return to productive livelihood following said events.

It likewise said that the LGU was mandated to establish their respective LDRRMO which is responsible for setting the direction, development, implementation, and coordination of the disaster risk management program within its territorial jurisdiction, pursuant to Section 12 of RA 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Act of 2010, whose foremost goal is to strengthen the country’s National DRRM System.

The Office of the LDRRMO powers and functions should design, program, and coordinate disaster risk-reduction and man-agement activities consistent with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s standards and guide-lines; facilitate and support risk assessments and contingency planning activities at the city level; consolidate local disaster risk information which includes natural hazards, vulnerabilities, and climate change risks, and maintain a local risk map; organize and conduct training, orientation, and knowledge management activities on disaster risk-reduction and management at the city level; and operate a multi-hazard early warning system, linked to disaster risk-reduction to provide accurate and timely advice to national or local emergency response organizations and to the general public, through diverse mass media, particularly radio, landline communications, and technologies for communication within rural communities.

The said office will likewise formulate and implement a comprehensive and integrated CDRRM plan in accordance with the national, regional and provincial framework, and poli-cies on disaster risk-reduction, in close coordination with the City Development Council (CDC); prepare and submit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, through the CDRRM Council and the CDC, the annual OCDRRMO plan and budget, the proposed programming of the CDRRM fund, other dedicated disaster risk-reduction and man-agement resources, and other regular funding source/s and budgetary support of the OCDRRMO/Barangay DRRM Councils; conduct continuous disaster monitoring and mobilize instrumentalities and entities of the barangays, civil society organizations, private groups, and organized volunteers, to utilize their facilities and resources for the protection and preservation of life and properties during emergencies in accordance with existing policies and procedures; Identify, assess, and manage the hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks that may occur in the locality; Disseminate information and raise public awareness about those hazards. vulnerabilities and risks, their nature, effects, early warning signs, and counter-measures; and Identify and implement cost-effective risk-reduction measures/strategies; Maintain a database of human resource, equipment, directories, and location of critical infrastructures and their capacities such as hospitals and evacuation centers;

The creation of the office will also create the positions of city department head I or the LDRRMO, LDRRMO II, two nurses, administrative aid III and IV (Driver) and administrative aid III (Clerk I).

The DRRM positions existing under Office of the City Mayor: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of the Plantilla of Laoag City government personnel, namely: local disaster risk reduction and management officer IV, III, and I, and the existing staff assigned and detailed therein, shall consequently be absorbed by the OLDRRMO.

The salaries and wages, mandatory obligations, and other incidental expenses for the positions to be created, as a consequence of the creation of the OLDRRMO shall be appropriated in the 2026 annual budget of the city government.

30/12/2024

Gob MMM, kalikagumna a mabayadan iti kabiitan a panawen dagiti lote nga apektado iti expansion ti runway ti LIA

Addan dagiti nabayadan nga agtagikua kadagiti lote a madalapus iti pannakaipalawa ti run-way ti Laoag International Airport. Mismo a ni Gob. Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc ti nangiyawat ti tseke a nakaipalaunan ti bayad dagiti lote dagitoy. Nagyaman met dagiti maseknan kadagiti inpaay a tulong ken suporta kadakuada ti gobierno probinsial iti panangidaulo ti gobernador. Adu ngamin a dukumento dagiti nasken a maisagana kasanguanan a maited ti bayad dagiti lote kadagiti maseknan.

Ti Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) nga indauluan da Mr. Perry Martinez ken Atty. Nikki Pilar pakairamanan ti Provincial Assessor’s Office ken dagiti dadduma pay a pangopisinaan iti Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) dagiti nagtitinnulong babaen iti mandar ni Gob. Marcos Manotoc a matulongan dagiti maseknan a mangisagana kadagiti kasapulanda a dukumento tapno maiyalisto ti pannakabayad dagitoy.

No makumpleton ti pannakabayad dagiti maapektaran a lote, ditoy metten a mangrugi ti pannakaipalawa ti run-way. Iti umay a tawen ti plano a pannakairugi ti nasao a proyekto. Daytoy met ti agbalin a tulbek tapno iti kasta, maragpat ti maysa kadagiti naruay nga arapaap ni Gob. Marcos Manotoc a pannakaisubli dagiti international direct flights kangrunanna ti Hawaii-Laoag, Laoag-Hawaii vice versa. Dakkel a makatulong daytoy kadagiti kakailian nga agnanaed idiay isla ti Hawaii ken iti sabsabali pay nga estado ti Amerika.

Babaen iti kenni Gob. MMM, awan ti nasken a pagdanagan dagiti agad-adal

Indauloan ni Gob. Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc ti pannakaibunong ti stipend dagiti iskolar ti Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN). Iti agdama, umaboten iti 880 dagiti iskolar ti probinsia. Nagduduma dagiti kurso dagitoy nga al-alaen. Dagitoy ket agad-adal kadagiti nagduduma a colleges and universities ditoy probinsia. Dagiti iskolar ti probinsia ken manipud iti benneg ti academics, arts, agri-fisheries, technical-vocational, pakaibilangan ti SIRIB young leaders.

Ti liderato ni Gob. Marcos Manotoc ket nakasentro kadagiti agtutubo. Ngamin, mamati isuna a dagiti agtutubo ti sumaruno a mangidaulo iti luglugartayo. Ngarud, nasken laeng a dagitoy ket matulongan kadagiti panagadalda tapno iti kasta ket maaddaanda iti umdas ken de-kalidad nga edukasion a daytoy ti ti agbalin nga armasda a mangsaranget kadagiti adu a karit ti biag.

Malaksid iti dayta, ammo pay ni Gob. Marcos Manotoc ti rigat ti biag iti agdama. Marikriknana ti kaadu dagiti nasken a gastosen dagiti nagannak iti panangibaonda kadagiti annakda iti pagadalan. Daytoy ti rason no apay nga kankanayon a kitkitaenna ti pagsayaatan dagiti estudiante babaen iti pannakaipaay dagiti nagduduma a programa a makatulong kadagitoy. Ti Provincial Education Office ken ti Ilocos Norte Youth and Development Office dagiti pinusgan ti gobernador nga agsarak ken agaramid kadagiti nagduduma a programa a pagsayaatan dagiti estudiante a sigurado mangitunda iti pannakapalag-an dagiti nagannak nga agpapaadal.

30/12/2024

San Nicolas: A beacon of sustainability in Ilocos Norte

By Leilanie Adriano

SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte—At a time when environmental stewardship is paramount, this small yet progressive town in Ilocos Norte province, stands out as it seeks sustainable solutions to reduce global material footprints.

Every week, the 24 barangays of San Nicolas rally together to clean major roads, clear waterways of plastics, and transform idle lots into productive spaces with fruit-bearing trees and vegetables.

These collective efforts reflect a deep-seated commitment to reducing the town’s material footprint.

“Environmental care has become a way of life for San Nicolas,” said San Nicolas mayor Angel Miguel Hernando, following the town’s recent recognition as the cleanest and greenest local government unit in Ilocos Norte on Dec. 18, 2024.

The award, conferred by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, came with a PHP500,000 cash prize, affirming the town’s dedication to ecological preservation.

A legacy of environmental initiatives
SAN Nicolas began its journey toward environmental sustainability in 2011 with the enactment of an ecological solid waste management ordinance.

The town pioneered the “KalikaSaNicolas” waste segregation program, enforcing a “no segregation, no collection” policy that has turned waste management into a daily practice for residents.

Households, business establishments, and schools have marked their calendars where every Tuesday and Saturday, all biodegradable materials will be collected. All non-biodegradable materials are scheduled to be collected every Thursday.
Collected waste is transported to the town’s state-of-the-art engineered sanitary landfill, the first of its kind in Ilocos Norte, inaugurated in 2018 at Brgy. 17 Sta. Asuncion.

The results are evident. San Nicolas boasts the best-operated landfill in the province and is the most compliant local government unit with environmental laws.

“We didn’t expect this award, but we owe it to our constituents who deliver every day,” Hernando said.
Rolen Oracion, principal of the Eladio V. Barangay Memorial Elementary School, said in an interview that the program encourages responsible waste management.

Teachers, students, and parents collect discarded materials and trade them at the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) for points twice a week, fostering a culture of zero waste within the community.

Through the program, Oracion said education stake-holders are inspired to maintain zero-waste communities.

30/12/2024

On 13 December 2024, Tactical Operations Group 1 (TOG 1), led by Deputy Group Commander MAJ RHEYNAN A PAR – OGAN PAF, demonstrated their unwavering commitment to community welfare by organizing a gift-giving event. The event was held at Shekinah Homes in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, aimed to bring joy and support to the staff and children of the facility. This meaningful gesture of solidarity reflects TOG 1’s dedication to fostering a sense of community and care.

30/12/2024

Gob MMM, kalikagumna a napintas ti masakbayan dagiti agtutubo

Mamati ni Gob. Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc a dagiti agtutubo dagiti pangnamnamaan ti masakbayan. Daytoy ti rason no apay a nangaramid ti Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) kadagiti naruay a programa a nairanta para kadagiti agtutubo. Naruay dagiti opisina iti PGIN dagiti addaan kadagiti programa a pakabenbenipisiaran dagiti agtutubo kangrunaanen ditoy ti Ilocos Norte Youth and Development Office, Provincial Education Office, Provincial Sports Office pakairamanan ti Ilocos Norte Tourism Office ken Provincial Employment Service Office.

Iti agdama, manarimaan ti pannakaisayangkat ti maysa manen a programa tapno matulongan dagiti agad-adal a mangragpat iti napintas a masakbayanda. Daytoy ket ti seminar a naawagan iti My Skills, My Future, Career Guidance. Ti Public Service Employment Service Office ti mangipatpatungpal iti daytoy. Dagiti estudiante manipud Grade 9, 10, 11 ken 12 iti intero a probinsia ken dumaldalan iti daytoy a seminar. Nairanta daytoy a programa kadagitoy nga estudiante tapno matulonganda nga agdesision no ania a kurso dagiti nasken nga alaen ken ileppasda iti kolehio tapno iti kasta ket napinpintas ti masakbayanda.

Agat-atendar met dagiti pannakabagi dagiti nagduduma nga colleges and universities iti probinsia iti daytoy a programa. Babaen kadakuada, maibin-sabinsa dagiti nagduduma a kurso nga ididiayada ken kangrunaanna dagiti maibilang nga in-demand a kurso. Saan a mailaksid ti kinapudno a no daddduma, adda dagiti agad-adal a ti laeng kalikagumda ket makaileppas iti kurso, ngem intono nakareduarda, marigatanda nga agsapul iti trabaho gapu ta saan a maiyannatup ti inleppasda a kurso. Sabali laeng dagiti saanen a makastrek nga agtrabaho.

Ngem babaen iti daytoy a programa nga inrubuat ni Gob. Marcos Manotoc, in-inot a masulbar dagitoy a parikot. Dayta ket gapu ta addan ti My Skills, My Future, Career Guidance Seminar tapno mangtulong kadagiti estudiante nga agdesision ket sigurado a mangragpatda ti napintas a masakbayanda.

De-kalidad ti edukasion ditoy Ilocos Norte

Iti sabali manen a gundaway, naipaneknek a dagiti pasdek pagadalan ditoy probinsia ket de-kalidad dagiti ipapaayda nga edukasion kadagiti agad-adal. Pammaneknek daytoy ti kalkalpas a resulta ti Licensure Examination for Teachers. Ngamin, tallo dagiti agad-adal manipud iti Mariano Marcos State University – College of Teachers Education dagiti simrek iti Top 10. Dagitoy ket da Shandie V. Carbonell a kas Rank 8 (93.40%), Patricia Dennisse A. Balico ken Athena Astrid C. Pailma nga agpada simrek iti Rank 9 (92.80%)

Ensigida a kinablaawan ni Gob. Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc dagiti tallo iti naidumduma a naragpatda a balligi. No kasano ti ragsak dagiti maseknan pakairamanan dagiti pamiliada iti daytoy a balligida, kasta met ti marikrina ti gobernador. Kunana a dakkel a pakaidayawan ti probinsia daytoy a banag. Iti agdama, saanen a mabilang ti kaadun dagiti kakailian a nagbalinen a top-notchers kadagiti naisayangkat a board examinations.

Iti agdama, dandani aminen a kurso ket ipapaayen dagiti nagduduma a pasdek pagadalan kolehio ditoy lugartayo. Kayatna a sawen, saanen a nasken nga umadayo pay dagiti agad-adal gapu ta adda aminen ditoy. Saanla a dayta, naipanekneken a dekalidad ti ipapaay dagitoy nga edukasion. Malaksid iti dayta, ti Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) iti panangidaulo ni Gob. Marcos Manotoc ket addaan kadagiti nagduduma nga scholarship program a mabalin a gundawayan dagiti agad-adal.

30/12/2024

PGIN leads push for bamboo industry dev’t

LAOAG CITY—In a collaborative effort to strengthen the bamboo industry and promote sustainable agricultural practices, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte successfully hosted the first-ever “Bamboo Forum” on Dec. 5, 2024, in this city.
The event was organized by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Office and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), with support from the Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Textile Institute, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), CSFirst Green Agri-industrial Development, Inc., and the Office of the 1st District Representative of Bukidnon.

The forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss innovations, opportunities, and challenges in the bamboo industry, with the provincial government positioning bamboo as a sustainable resource to drive economic growth and enhance agriculture in Ilocos Norte.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, in his opening message, emphasized the potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource that can drive economic growth and environmental conservation.

“I am very hopeful dito po sa bamboo industry natin. We have the raw materials, it’s just a matter of commercializing. Sa akin lang, responsibilidad ng gobyerno na talagang maghanap ng paraan at makapagbigay ng hanapbuhay sa ating mga kakailian,” he said.

Throughout the forum, discussions focused on various critical topics, including the current state of the bamboo industry in the Philippines, marketing strategies, production development, innovative bamboo technologies, and opportunities for expanding its utilization.

In addition, MSMEO and PAO reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical support and expanding bamboo plantations across Ilocos Norte, recognizing the industry’s crucial role in improving rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable development.

The “Bamboo Forum” is a vital part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to invest in industries that not only create long-term economic opportunities but also address environmental challenges. This initiative reflects Ilocos Norte’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

(Mariell J. Pahinag)

26/12/2024

Nueva Era honored as SGLG, ADAC national awardee

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

NUEVA ERA, Ilocos Norte—The local government unit (LGU) of Nueva Era bagged the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and the Anti-Drug Abuse Council national awards right after hosting the 99th “Christ The King” celebration.

The SGLG is a progressive assessment system by the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government that gives distinction to remarkable local government performance across several areas, highlights integrity and good performance to institutionalize local government reforms in the continuing pursuit for a meaningful local autonomy and development.

The Seal of Good House-keeping (SGH) that was introduced in 2010 was the SGLGs predecessor to initiate results-based performance management in the country but it was evolved as SGLG in 2014 which now includes the governance areas.

The SGLG has been instrumental in upholding transparency and accountability among local governments, promoting proactive actions to prepare for challenges posed by disasters and influencing LGU behavior that is supportive of both national and international developmental goals among others—all of these incentivizing good governance practices.

“Maysa manen a maibilang a blessings dagitoy a pammadayaw ta ngamin dagitoy iti maysa a kangangatoan nga awards iti maysa nga LGU a narigat a magun-od ket nakagasgasat ti ili tayo ta napagasatan na man dagitoy a pammadayaw babaen met laeng iti inkam pinagtitinnunos iti executive ken legislative branches ken kangrunaan dagiti ay-ayatek a kakailiak gapu iti awan sarday na a pinangsup-suporta da kadagiti amin a programa, proyekto ken aktibidades a para met laeng iti pagsayaatan mi amin a taga Nueva Era,” mayor Aldrin Garvida announced adding that that these would be another big accomplishment for Nueva Era and its people.

All LGU awardees received an SGLG marker and SGLG incentive fund to finance local development initiatives that can further achieve other national goals and strategic thrusts.

The DILG emphasized that this year’s assessment was up-graded to include more outcome-based criteria to distinguish and incentivize good performance that meets the demands of pub-lic accountability and reform.

It was learned that achieving the SGLG is a rigorous process which the LGUs must pass a stringent assessment across multiple criteria, ensuring that they provide transparent, accountable and inclusive governance that fosters development and improves the quality of life for their constituents. This recognition also comes with incentives, such as eligibility for the
Performance Challenge Fund and access to other national programs to support local development projects.

In addition, LGU Nueva Era is also one of the Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) national awardees.

In 1998, the DILG has started encouraging all LGUs for the organization of ADAC and these multi-sectoral councils are responsible in the formulation of plans and the implementation of local anti-drug abuse programs, projects and activities.
Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, embodies the National Government’s commitment to eradicate the country’s illegal drug problem.

The “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” serves as the program of the department which aims to raise awareness regarding the adverse effects of the use of illegal drugs and to recognize the important galvanizing the community, duty bearers and stakeholders to take urgent actions to protect the rights of the people by strengthening its efforts on drug abuse prevention.

The ADAC awards aim to assess the functionality the ef-fectiveness of local ADAC’s based on existing issuances and policies; to determine the ADAC-initiated and/or endorsed innovations and best practices at all levels; create an evaluation and assessment platform; and recognize effective and performing ADACs.

26/12/2024

Vintar grabs limelight at Nation Builders, Mosliv Awards

By Dominic B. Dela Cruz

VINTAR, Ilocos Norte—Vintar Mayor Richard Agregado Degala and the newly classified first class municipality under the new income classification, the local government unit (LGU) of Vintar were awarded as the Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year and Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Munici-pality, respectively by the Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards held Nov. 28, 2024 at the Okada in the City of Manila.

Degala, with his brainchild, “Dur-asen Vintaren” has been devoted to public service since he started politics as punong barangay. Despite being torn between being a family man and public servant, he said he remained a “simple person of tenacity, hard work, honesty, humility, and a devout Christian”.

“Ti tao a saanna ammo a taliawen ti naggapuanan na, saan a makagteng iti papannana.” This Ilokano adage motivated and encouraged Degala to run in the 2013 elections, becoming the youngest punong barangay to lead Brgy. 24 Alsem in December of that year.

He said that what makes him different in the field of public service is how he dwells in the faithfulness of God. “The Lord trusted me so much to be able to share my life, and for that I cannot waste every opportunity with the Lord,” he said. His concept of leadership then was “Serbisyo a Napudno, Nadur-as a Barrio” and it left an impact on how he implemented programs and projects, as well as the recognitions and amplifications of their accomplishment during his term, can be claimed as “extra-ordinary”—and later, paved his way to win an overwhelming electoral vic-tory in this town’s mayoralty elections in 2022.

Degala’s leadership aims to “faithfully serve his constituents and demonstrate his commitment to service”. He said he believes that public service is temporary, and his sincerity, hard work, and service will remain in the hearts and minds of the constituents. He later on modified his principle of service, from “Serbisyo a Napudno, Nadur-as a Barrio,” to “Durasen, Vintaren!”.

Degala’s dedication to serving his constituents is sincere, focusing on their well-being and life. The local government’s mission and vision are being realized through various initiatives, programs, and projects. Support for his administration comes from the provin-cial government led by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc and the Congressional Office of the First District of Ilocos Norte, led by Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos.

Since taking office as local chief executive, his so-called “Midas touch” has been evident in various infrastruc-ture projects in the municipality, including bridges, farm-to-market roads, water dams, flood controls, irrigation, so-lar dryers, and bunkhouses for agricul-tural facilities.

Additionally, Don Untin and Tereza Parks are being renovated to promote economic advancements, with a state-of-the-art lighting, sound systems, and a renovated auditorium.

The mayor has also focused on ag-riculture, implementing local and national greening programs with support from the Department of Agriculture (DAR), the Community, Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and other government agencies. Farmers receive assistance from the local government, including seed and fertilizer distribution per crop season, resulting to increased yields and harvests. Degala also provides calamity assistance to the agriculture sector, including the construction and rehabilitation of damaged water systems, provision of water hoses and pumps and other agricultural inputs for farmers, other than those coming from the provincial government. He also procures farm machinery for to***co farmers and backhoes, dump trucks, flatbeds, and drilling rigs for engineering works.

In his first year, he initiated efforts to design the “best municipal landfill” in the Ilocos Region, ensuring the best possible outcome for the local economy.

Youths also enjoy various programs and skills trainings, including those for out-of-school youths and non-government organizations. Degala has also passed an ordinance allowing college students to receive a stipend every semester, and the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) conducts a pro-gram to award and incentivize graduating students with Latin Honors.

The mayor also prioritizes the women sector, providing trainings and capital for livelihood projects. Education is a top priority for the LGU, with kindergarten pupils to high school students receiving supplies yearly and schools receive “Brigada Eskwela” supplies, by virtue of an ordinance he asked to be passed for their benefit. School buildings are being built, water waste treatments implemented, and a new material recovery facility (MRF) is being constructed.

The health sector is another priority, with the “Super Health Center” set to open soon with the assistance of the Department of Health Regional Office I. The Rural Health Unit clienteles continue to grow in numbers now enjoy quality service from the municipal health prac-titioners. More so, unfinished health centers in different barangays are being completed with the help of the DOH. Meanwhile, the Tamdagan District Hospital will operate for 24 hours after Degala signed an agreement with the provincial government to provide additional nurses and a driver for the hospital.

Social services are never neglected by the administration of Degala. The Vintar LGU has signed a memorandum of agreement with Black Nazarene Hospital, Karmelli Hospital, and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center to provide healthcare services to patients. The LGU maintains a trust fund for indigents and low-income earners, and has implemented the MEDICARE Para sa Masa Program.

Senior Citizens receive their increased social pension since this year, too. Centenarians also receive cash gifts from the municipal government. Burial Assistance of PHP15,000 will be given to qualified beneficiaries after an ordinance is approved.

Degala has supported disaster risk reduction preparedness, as well, evaluating and validating situational reports himself even during typhoons. The Vintar DRRMO has been awarded the Gawad Kalasag by the national and regional DRRM. The LGU and the MDRRM Office have handed down DRRM Equipment and Modules to the 34 barangays. The Municipal Evacuation Center is nearing completion, and the LGU has procured disaster rescue, fire, water trucks; and soon a mobile kitchen truck during his first term as mayor.

The cottage industry is expected to expand as various sectors participate in livelihood and training programs. The “One Town, One Product” has been adopted, generating extra income. The Siwabel, a loom weaver’s trademark, is proud to carry Vintar Inabel. The Basahan Project, housed within a municipal building and funded by the LGU, continues to employ members and sew-ers, supplying products to the local, nationwide and international patrons.

His guiding principle, “Dur-asen, Vintaren!” coupled with his remarkable advocacy “Ragsak, Ayat ken Dungngo,” reflects his dedication and unwavering commitment to serving his people with joy, love and dedication. Degala’s approachable nature and ability to bring people together under a shared vision have been pivotal to the town’s success. The active participation of the townspeople and Mayor Degala’s approachable nature have fostered a collaborative environment.

Degala’s leadership has set a high standard for governance in Vintar. Through his commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and effective service delivery, Vintar has become a model for other municipalities to emulate. The town’s progress in areas such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, healthcare, and environmental sustainability reflects the positive impact of his leadership.

As Vintar continues on its path of development, residents can look for-ward to a future marked by further growth and prosperity. With ongoing initiatives and a strong community spirit, Vintar is well-positioned to address future challenges and seize new opportunities. The success of Degala’s administration serves as a testament to the potential for positive change when leadership, community engagement, and effective governance come together.

Vintar councilor Maricel Marie Foronda likewise expressed her thanks as she was deeply humbled as she was also awarded as Honorary Councilor of the Year by the Nation Builder and Mosliv Awards.

Foronda thanked the awards body for recognizing her hard work as a Sangguniang Bayan member and her genuine concern for public governance.

She believes that her accomplishments as member of the Sanggunian and her personal programs and activities for the welfare of the public were the basis for this prestigious award.

Foronda shared her award with her family, colleagues in the Sanggunian, co-workers on the government and the people of Vintar who joined the challenges in her legislative task but above all the Almighty for keeping her well-being intact through her political career.

The Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards recognizes exemplary Filipinos or leaders from the public and private sectors, youth groups, philanthropists and eco-warriors who helped achieved the country’s progress and development through their programs, advocacies and projects were feted by the country’s leading Sustainability Awards anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

The awards celebrates the people and the groups who accomplished great things in the name of sustainability.

(With reports from LGU Vintar)